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Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
1.5 m
Size:
1.5 m
Distribution:
Maiden's Quiver Tree is restricted to desert mountainsides and arid ravines in South Africa (Richtersveld of the Northern Cape) and southern Namibia. Its distribution is concentrated within the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
379.51 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
12.36 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
11.21 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.9% [S: 92.7%, D: 6.8%]
Importance:
Aloidendron ramosissimum is threatened by plant theft, overgrazing, and ongoing habitat degradation. Its slow growth and low resilience mean disturbances, drought, and increased grazing pressure have long-term impacts, especially on juvenile survival. Climate change and possible mining activities are expected to further reduce its suitable habitat.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Thabang Makola
South African Biodiversity Institute
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
3-5 cm high, about 10 cm in diameter
Distribution:
Endemic to a single valley in the Western Cape and restricted to disjunct sites on quartzite pavements.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
41.67 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
10.91 kilobases
Assembly N50:
65 443.77 kilobases
Contig number:
1 590
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.75 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 95.8%, D: 3.5%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Bijlia dilatata
Clay Prince Albert vygie
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Importance:
The Red List of Southern African Plants notes that the species is range-restricted species (EOO 260 km²) and 'declining due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation'. A recent publication by Milton et al. (2024) studied eight populations and concluded that grazing and climate change appear to be contributing to declines in this endemic habitat specific dwarf succulent, already threatened by land transformation and poaching in the Succulent Karoo hotspot of South Africa.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Helga van der Merwe
South African Environmental Observation Network: Arid Lands Node
Date Published:
2025-10-28
Photo credit:
© S. Milton
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